NEW YORK — Most people probably don’t think of Canarsie County as ranching country. But an animal that escaped from the slaughterhouse sparked a large-scale urban raid in the Brooklyn borough on Tuesday afternoon.
The calf emerged from a nearby slaughterhouse and spent half the day dodging cars and anyone trying to chase it in a scene of wild mayhem that unfolded near East 95th Street and Avenue L .
“Everyone came out of the store and tried to back her into a corner,” said Vincent Fonana, manager of Original Pizza. “But she was a fighter, she fought.”
Mobile phone video shows Saba Live Poultry staff trying to catch the calf, as well as neighbors and workers at the nearby pizzeria.
“We didn’t want her to get hit by a car and someone get hurt. I’ve never seen that in my life,” Fontana said.
The black calf continued on its way to freedom, avoiding anyone who approached. After several minutes at large, the cow was seized at Avenue M and East 95th Street.
Management at the Rockaway Avenue slaughterhouse wouldn’t go on camera, but an employee told NBC New York the calf slipped off a truck and ran about a mile.
“People are starting to identify with this animal. They see the desperation in the animal’s face as they fight for their lives,” said Mike Stura, president and founder of Skylands Animal Sanctuary, which provides care and shelter for several cows.
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“This animal is fighting for its life and they know it,” Stura said. “You can smell the fear in the air.”
Stura offered to take the pup in, believing the pup should be given amnesty after the escape. Initially, he said he was rejected, but later confirmed that slaughterhouse staff had agreed to let the animal stay at the shelter.
Neighbors said they hoped the cow’s life would be spared. Saba Live Poultry said the animal was not injured in the incident.